December 13, 2002 Finals
Feature Story
Pet
A Pet: Furry Finals Week Therapy
 Utah
State University student Heather Bankhead is working on a degree
in Family Finance. She’s taken three finals, with two
more to go.
So what’s she up to? In the stacks cramming? Memorizing
material with a study group?
Nope. She’s petting a pet at the Utah State Counseling
Center "Finals First Aid" event.
The center sponsored the event to help students lower stress
levels during the finals frenzy.
Does it work?
Research says so, according to Counseling Center Director Mary
Doty.
"Pets increase self esteem," says Doty. "They
provide companionship and alleviate feelings of isolation and
loneliness. They lessen stress and help with depression. They
even lower blood pressure."
 The
star of the event was Griffin, a 6-year-old tail-wagger with
friendly eyes and a long, glossy coat. Griffin is used to dealing
with stress, anxiety and depression. He’s the mascot and
therapy dog for the Counseling Center, where he befriends students
who come in for assistance.
Detroit, a regal German shepherd who has served as a volunteer
therapy dog at local convalescent centers, also sat in for the
event. He was raised by his owner, information technology specialist
Nancy Roberts, as a guide dog, but opted for a canine career
in therapy instead.
Several hundred students came by during the week, eager to pet
Griffin and Detroit and receive a wet dose of affection. Both
dogs, and the visiting cat, were extremely well mannered after
they all got used to each other.
The Counseling Center provides free services to students in
a confidential atmosphere.
 "We
attempt to offer a variety of services in an atmosphere that
is welcoming and comfortable for students," says Doty.
"The counseling process helps individuals resolve personal
difficulties and acquire the skills and knowledge that will
enable them to take full advantage of their college experience."
Clinical services include individual, couple or group counseling;
crisis intervention; one-time consultations; and workshops.
Counselors help students with depression, trauma, eating disorders,
drug and alcohol abuse, rape and sexual assault, anger management,
sexually transmitted diseases, sexual orientation, learning
disabilities, attention deficit disorder, anxiety disorders
and schizophrenia.
Students are welcome to call the center at 797-1012 to arrange
an appointment. The center is open from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Monday through Friday. More information is available at http://www.usu.edu/counsel/index.htm.
Writer: Nadene Steinhoff, 797-1429; nadene.Steinhoff@usu.edu
Contact: Mary Doty, 797-1012; medoty@cc.usu.edu
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